BR Ambedkar's Death Anniversary: Know 10 Interesting Facts About The Constitution Maker

Digital Desk: DR. BR Ambedkar was a powerful figure in Indian history. Dr. BR Ambedkar, an Indian jurist, economist, political leader, and social reformer, was one of the figures responsible for the creation of the Indian Constitution. He not only drafted the Constitution, but he also campaigned against societal concerns including as untouchability, discrimination, Dalit rights, and other socially backward sections. 

Dr. Ambedkar was chosen as India's first Law Minister in Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's Cabinet.

Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 and was generally known as 'Babasaheb.' He was one of his parents' fourteen children, but he changed his surname from 'Sakpkal' to 'Ambedkar' to avoid discrimination. Every year on December 6th, India commemorates the death anniversary, or 'Mahaparinirvan Diwas,' to memorialise one of the finest leaders of independent India and his contributions to the advancement of society.

1. Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth name was Ambawadekar, which was altered to 'Ambedkar' by one of his school teachers. 

2. He was one of the finest intellectuals, lawyers, and liberation fighters, together with hundreds of thousands of Mahars, an untouchable caste, who converted to Buddhism and changed the face of Buddhism in India. 

3. Ambedkar was subjected to caste discrimination since childhood. Bhimrao's father settled in Satara, Maharashtra, after retiring from the Indian Army.

4. Despite his challenges, Bhimrao maintained his studies and passed his Matriculation exams with flying colours from Bombay University in 1908. 

5. BR Ambedkar is regarded as the "Father of the Indian Constitution," as well as the chairman of the drafting committee tasked with creating a constitution for the newly independent India. 

6. After returning to India during the freedom fight, Ambedkar produced his magnum opus, 'Annihilation of Caste,' a vehement critique of the caste system, in 1936. 

7. In 1990, Ambedkar was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. 

8. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar was the first Indian to receive a Doctorate (PhD) in Economics from a foreign university.

9. "Mahant Veer Chandramani," a prominent Buddhist monk who introduced Babasaheb to Buddhism, referred to him as "the modern Buddha of this age."   

10. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar has the biggest number of songs and books published in his honour around the world.